KARACHI: Mohammad Rizwan and Haider Ali struck fiery half centuries to lift Pakistan to 200-6 in the first Twenty20 international against the West Indies in Karachi on Monday.
Rizwan smashed a 52-ball 78 with 10 boundaries — his 12th half-century and 11th this year — while Haider scored a career-best 68 after the West Indies sent Pakistan in to bat at National Stadium.
Rizwan and Haider added 105 for the third wicket after skipper Babar Azam fell without scoring and Fakhar Zaman made just 10, with West Indian bowlers getting early success.
Haider cracked four sixes and six boundaries in his 39-ball knock.
West Indies, hit with three Covid-19 positive tests among their T20I players, brought in Shamarh Brooks and Devon Thomas from their one-day squad, giving Brooks a debut in the shortest format.
The remaining matches are on Tuesday and Thursday, also in Karachi.
Rizwan, Haider lift Pakistan to 200-6 in first T20I
https://arab.news/46tek
Rizwan, Haider lift Pakistan to 200-6 in first T20I
- Rizwan smashed a 52-ball 78 with 10 boundaries, his 12th half-century and 11th this year
- West Indies, hit with three Covid-19 positive tests among their T20I players
UEFA rejects Benfica’s appeal against Prestianni ban for alleged racism toward Vinícius Jr
- UEFA said Wednesday, hours before the game was scheduled to begin, that its appeal body dismissed Benfica’s application against the suspension
- It confirmed the decision of its control, ethics and disciplinary body from Monday
NYON, Switzerland: UEFA has rejected Benfica’s last-minute appeal against the provisional suspension of Gianluca Prestianni, meaning he remains ruled out of the Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Prestianni was provisionally suspended on Monday for one match following accusations he racially abused Vinícius Júnior in the first leg last week.
The game was halted for nearly 10 minutes after the Madrid forward scored and then celebrated by the Benfica corner flag, upsetting local fans and players. After being confronted by Prestianni, Vinícius accused the Argentine player of calling him “monkey.”
Prestianni, who covered his mouth with his shirt while talking to Vinícius, has denied racially insulting the Brazil star, who is Black.
UEFA said Wednesday, hours before the game was scheduled to begin, that its appeal body dismissed Benfica’s application against the suspension and that it confirmed the decision of its control, ethics and disciplinary body from Monday.
During the game, the anti-racism protocol was activated but no further action was taken as there had been no evidence against Prestianni.
Vinícius’ teammate Kylian Mbappé said he heard Prestianni use the racial slur five times.
But Benfica has supported their player, claiming Madrid players who said they heard the insult were too far away. The Portuguese club said they welcomed UEFA’s investigation and that they “fully support and believe the version presented” by Prestianni, “whose conduct while with the club has always been guided by respect” toward everyone.
José Mourinho also backed Prestianni and criticized Vinícius for his celebration after the goal – for which the player was booked. The Benfica coach said something always happens in stadiums where Vinícius plays.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said Tuesday it was wrong to use Vinícius’ celebration to justify the alleged act of racism.
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was among those who also criticized Mourinho for attacking Vinícius after last week’s match.
Mourinho is suspended for the second leg because he was sent off late in the first leg for referee dissent. But he also traveled to Madrid with Prestianni, who trained with the rest of the team on Wednesday before UEFA rejected his club’s appeal.
